Chihuahua: all about the dog, description and photo of the breed

Characteristics

Brief information

1. Brief information
2. Pros and Cons of a Chihuahua
3. Description of the Chihuahua breed
4. Head
5. Eyes
6. Ears
7. Neck
8. Frame
9. Tail
10. limbs
11. Gait
12. wool cover
13. Color
14. Size and weight
15. Chihuahua character
16. Education and training
17. Maintenance and care of a chihuahua
18. Food
19. chihuahua health
20. History reference
21. Chihuahua photo
22. Who is this breed for?
23. Famous owners
24. How to choose a puppy
25. Photo of chihuahua puppies
26. Chihuahua price
27. Video

Chihuahua companion pet. Considered the smallest dog in the world weight does not exceed 2.7 kg. There is a version that initially these animals were wild. They were tamed by the peoples who lived on the territory of modern Mexico. They considered dogs sacred, revered and worshiped them.

Pros and Cons of a Chihuahua

The main advantages of this breed include:

There are also disadvantages:

Description of the Chihuahua breed

Chihuahuas are miniature dogs. The breed is usually divided into two types cobby and dir. The first is compact in size and well-developed muscles. The muzzle of these dogs is short and blunt. Cobby coat is thick, long, with a fluffy undercoat. The second type looks much more elegant, thanks to long legs. Their ears are large, like those of bats. Undercoat missing.

Head

Chihuahua skull comes in two shapes deer and apple. Experts believe that the apple-shaped version is preferable. A similar shape of the head indicates a purebred animal. The forehead is convex and rounded. Stop is very clear. The nose is not big at all. His lobe is looking up. Any color is allowed black, beige, brown, pink.

The muzzle is absolutely straight in profile, its base is wide. Cheekbones do not protrude. Lips not sagging. The bite, according to the standard, can be straight or scissors. Salivation is moderate.

Some adults have an open fontanelle on their heads. Usually its length is about 2cm. Since 2010, this feature has been considered a defect.

Eyes

The eyes of the representatives of the Chihuahua breed are large and rounded. There is no bulge. According to the norm, the iris should be dark. Light variants do not belong to breed marriage. Walnut, green, amber, and blue irises may be present in apricot and beige pets. The look of the animal is always thoughtful and interested.

Ears

The ears of the representatives of this breed should be large and widely spaced. In relation to the skull are located at an angle of 45 degrees. The base is always wide. When the dog is alert, they tense up and rise.

In ordinary Chihuahuas, the hair on the ears is short, in long-haired ones it is long. Cutting it is not recommended. The auricles are completely bald on the inside.

Neck

Males have a wider neck than females. No hanger. By standard, long-haired dogs have a voluminous mane. The length of the neck of such an animal is average.

Frame

Chihuahua’s body looks harmonious and elegant. The back of the animal looks strong and short. The lower back is muscular. Breasts preferably round. According to the standard, it is located on the same level with the elbows of the animal. The withers are visible weakly. The cereals are wide and absolutely straight.

The stomach is always tightened, sometimes a small sag may be present. Cobbies look stocky and strong, Deer looks more elegant, thanks to elongated legs.

Tail

Chihuahua’s tail looks flat. The length is average. The base is wide, the end is more acute. In the process of walking, the animal can carry it both directly and slightly bend over the body. In the calm location of the spirit, the tail drops down.

The length of the wool on the tail depends on the type of breed. In longhaired dogs, hairs at the end look like a brush.

Limbs

If you look at the dog in the ANFAS, then the front paws should form an absolutely straight line. The musculature of the shoulder blades is very pronounced. Elbows in the process of walking move freely, adjacent to the ribs. Forearms look straight, pasterns look slanted. The paws are small in size, the claws on the fingers are of moderate length.

The hind limbs of a Chihuahua should be parallel to each other according to the standard. The muscles on them are more developed than on the front. Thighs look strong. In the process of walking or running, the front legs are in perfect harmony with the hind legs. Paws oval, with well-spaced toes. Nails look protruding. The pads are very flexible. The presence of dewclaws is not welcome.

Gait

Chihuahua moves quickly and vigorously. Step long, springy. Limbs move parallel to each other during walking.

Normally, the traces from the front paws should completely coincide with the traces from the hind legs. The dog keeps its back straight while walking. When running, the center of gravity shifts. The movements remain energetic and free.

wool cover

The skin of these dogs is very smooth, without wrinkles. Coat may vary. It is customary to distinguish between long-haired and short-haired Chihuahuas. The first the hair is thinner and softer. Normally, they can be both straight and wavy. Feathers are present on the ears, paws, tail. Shaggy and disheveled for such dogs is considered a marriage of the breed.

If there is an undercoat, then it is always thick and dense. In some species of Chihuahua, its absence is considered the norm. There may be a fur frill on the neck, which adds to the representatives of this breed even more attractiveness.

In smooth-haired dogs, the coat looks denser and smoother. Adheres very well to the body of the animal. On the ears and paws rarer and shorter.

Color

The color of such animals can be any. Exceptions marble and merle. According to the standard, in purebred representatives of the breed, the color of the nose, coat and eyes must be combined with each other.

The most common types of Chihuahua color include:

The suit of representatives of this breed is determined immediately after birth, since it does not change in the process of growing up. Chihuahuas can be either solid or bicolor. Tricolor is also acceptable. Fawn and cream-colored pets sometimes have a blackout on the muzzle. Experts call it a mask. The size of the spot can be any, sometimes it reaches the level of the forehead.

Size and weight

These dogs are very small in size. Chihuahuas reach their maximum weight by one year of age. Weight is considered standard from 1.8 to 2.7 kg. If the indicator exceeds the mark of 3 kg, then this is regarded as a significant defect. Animals will not be able to participate in competitions and exhibitions. The height at the withers of the pet should be from 15 to 20 cm.

There are varieties of breed such as mini and micro. These dogs weigh a record low from 0.5 to 1.5 kg.

Chihuahua character

Chihuahuas are extremely active pets with a cheerful disposition. They are very sociable and funny. The main feature of this breed is a strong attachment to the owner. They need constant communication, they cannot be alone. Perfectly tolerate long-term walks around the city. Don’t be afraid of public places. True, they do not like to walk on foot animals prefer to be in the hands of the owner.

After separation from the owner, Chihuahuas can hardly contain their emotions. They start jumping, barking and running around him. Many representatives of this breed are monogamous they recognize only their owner.

Such dogs are distinguished by great courage and, not realizing their size, often enter into skirmishes with other animals. Under the condition of improper training, they can become naughty and wayward.

Education and training

These miniature dogs, with the wrong upbringing, can give their owners a lot of trouble. That is why training should begin in a timely manner. Ideally, as soon as the animal gets used to the new place of residence.

Training must be regular and systematic. Otherwise, you should not expect any sense from them.

Chihuahuas are very smart and quick-witted. They are able to master commands quite quickly. Training should be carried out in stages you need to start learning a new skill only after the previous one has been fully mastered.

If you find the right approach to your pet and organize training as a game, then it will bring results very quickly. Chihuahuas are able to quickly learn new information. During training, the dog learns not only the basic set of commands, but also the basics of correct behavior.

Quality training will benefit a dog of any breed. This will allow the owner to feel with his pet easily and freely both on the street and at home. Chihuahuas should be able to behave well in public places, not be afraid of a large crowd of people. Such dogs are often taken with them to shops, parks, cafes.

If the basic set of commands can be learned in about six months, then it is necessary to educate a pet throughout life. The main instrument of education is the behavior of the owner, his voice and the right intonation.

Experts believe that Chihuahuas are more capricious and more difficult to train. The owner needs to be patient. In response to exactingness, the male will sooner or later give in and recognize the leader in the man.

From an early age, a puppy should not be allowed to:

Training can be domestic or professional. In order to raise a Chihuahua, you must have certain skills and knowledge. If the owner understands that he cannot cope with the process on his own, it is better to contact a specialized organization. Experienced cynologists advise not to let the situation take its course retraining a dog of any breed is always more difficult.

But even if you turn to specialists, the owner should still pay attention to raising a dog. The main thing is to establish a close and trusting relationship with your pet that lasts throughout life.

The standard set of commands includes the following:

In the process of training, it is imperative to use rewards. It could be your favorite treat or toy. If the owner prefers to use food as a reward, then you should not feed the dog before training.

Training should be regular. Their duration is usually at least 20-30 minutes. Better to do it twice a day. Commands must be spoken clearly and confidently. Only in this case, the pet will be able to perceive them the first time. Under no circumstances should an animal be punished. Shouting and swearing is also not recommended.

Maintenance and care of a chihuahua

Caring for miniature pets is very different from caring for large and medium-sized dogs. Chihuahuas are very cold and can catch a cold. In specialized stores, such animals must be purchased special clothes for autumn, spring and winter.

In addition, it is worth protecting the pet from injuries such dogs have rather fragile bones, and some even have an open fontanel on their heads.

Experienced breeders sell Chihuahua puppies at the age of three months, not earlier than. Until that time, dogs are not ready for life without a mother. Therefore, the first vaccination is carried out by the breeder. When buying, you need to ask if the puppy has been vaccinated. This should be evidenced by a corresponding entry in the veterinary passport.

Both long-haired and short-haired dogs should be brushed regularly. Chihuahuas are very fond of this procedure, they do not break out and do not run away. Your pet’s nails should be trimmed as needed when they have grown longer than normal.

If the ears are not a problem for the dog, you should not clean them yourself. The owner, through negligence, can damage the auditory canal. Ordinary cotton swabs are not suitable for this procedure. If the pet began to show anxiety and scratch his ears, then you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Perhaps the problem is much more serious otitis media has begun or a foreign object has got into the ear.

In a specialized clinic, Chihuahua ears are cleaned with special solutions that are poured through a tube with a spout. Then the specialist massages them for about 15 minutes and releases the pet. The dog starts shaking and shaking his head, and the remnants of the solution are removed from the ears along with impurities.

It’s also best not to clean your pet’s eyes too often. The presence of small accumulations of mucus in the corners of the eyes is considered an acceptable norm. It is necessary to consult a doctor only with severe lacrimation or obvious inflammation.

Bathing a Chihuahua very often is not recommended. Wash the dog only if the coat is very dirty.

Representatives of the breed are perfectly located in small apartments. They get along well with the elderly and children. However, the child should be taught how to properly handle the pet, it should not be thrown and squeezed very tightly in your arms.

It is mandatory for a Chihuahua to purchase the following:

The miniature size of the Chihuahua allows you to walk with them only as needed. In very cold weather, it is better not to display them at all. The dog easily agrees to go to the toilet in a tray or on a diaper. You need to train this pet from childhood.

In the warm season, animals will walk with joy. They are very fond of walks, including long ones.

Chihuahuas need to be supervised outdoors. A crow or other large bird may attack them and carry them off in its beak like prey.

Food

Such dogs are not picky about the choice of food. Despite this, the owners must take care of the diet of their pet. Professionals advise choosing a specialized type of food for a chihuahua dry food. You can buy them at any outlet that sells products for pets.

Such food can be stored for a very long time. Considering that the Chihuahua, due to its size, eats little, the supply can be made for a long period. This will greatly save the owner’s time.

Purchasing specialized feed at a pet store allows you to:

The diet is compiled depending on the age of the dog and its lifestyle. If the dog is active, then she needs more calories. Older dogs should not be overfed as they move little and can get better.

It is possible to accustom a Chihuahua puppy to specialized nutrition from the age of four weeks. For young individuals, dry food is recommended to soak. To do this, you can use boiled water or low-fat broth.

To calculate the daily calorie norm, the following formula can be used: KSP (kcal) = 30 x (weight, kg) + 70.

On the packaging of its products, the manufacturer without fail places recommendations for feeding. The calorie content of food is also indicated. By studying this information in detail, you can accurately calculate how much food is needed for a particular dog. Experts advise constantly buying food from the same company. This will help avoid digestive problems.

Puppies eat several times a day from 3 to 6. Adults should learn to eat no more than twice a day. Snacking should be avoided whenever possible. You should also not feed dogs from your table.

For water, you need to purchase a separate bowl. Feeding dry food can provoke the appearance of frequent thirst in the animal. Access to clean water must be constant.

chihuahua health

The health of the representatives of this breed is quite strong. The tendency to catch colds can be explained by the fear of the cold. If you keep the dog warm, such diseases are easy to avoid.

The most important thing for the owner is to determine the presence of symptoms of the disease in time and take the pet to a specialist. The veterinarian will be able to either immediately diagnose the disease, or prescribe the necessary tests for the animal.

Dog vaccinations must be done in a timely manner. Until the dog is vaccinated, it is not recommended to walk it in public places. After vaccination, it is also necessary to protect the animal from contact with others for two weeks.

The condition of the ears, teeth and eyes of the pet must be constantly monitored. In case of any problems, you should immediately contact the clinic.

Regular stools are good for a dog’s health. If it is liquid or too hard, you should also consult your doctor.

Representatives of this breed most often suffer from the following ailments:

It is not recommended to clean the enamel using a toothbrush. It is better to give your dog special treats that you can buy at the pet store. They help to quickly rid the pet of plaque. In the veterinary clinic, if necessary, specialists can carry out professional cleaning.

Some representatives of this breed have an open fontanelle on their heads. For this reason, this area is very vulnerable. Chihuahuas should be protected from falls and bumps at all times.

Obesity in animals can occur due to improper diet. Dogs should not be given human food, especially sweets, flour products, spicy and smoked foods.

History reference

Most scientists are sure that the birthplace of this breed is Mexico, and specifically, its largest state is Chihuahua. It is known that Mexican traders sold them to travelers as pets this is how these dogs were brought to America.

The variety of appearance of such animals was already surprising in those days there were chihuahuas with both long and short hair. There were also different colors. At that time, the breed did not have an official name. It appeared when the first standard came out in the 1920s.

Some experts are sure that the ancestors of these dogs were techies. These animals were tamed by the Toltecs, an ancient people who inhabited Mesoamerica in the 9th century AD. Those dogs were much larger than today’s Chihuahuas.

There is also a version that long before the Toltecs, the ancient Maya began to breed these animals. Representatives of this civilization ate animals and used them as sacrifices.

In many burials of that period, archaeologists have discovered the skeletons of the ancestors of the Chihuahua. The Mayans had a custom of burying their pets with their owners.

In the 12th century, the area that previously belonged to the Toltecs was inhabited by the Aztecs. The idea of ​​sacrifice was key to their religion. They used both people and these small dogs as victims in such rites.

In 1521, the Aztec tribe was completely destroyed. Spanish conquistadors destroyed their temples, as well as writing and dogs. Only a few managed to hide in the jungle. Without people, they became completely wild.

A detailed written mention of this breed dates back to 1888. American cynologist James Watson became interested in tiny dogs and specifically drove to El Paso in order to purchase such a specimen. He bought a chihuahua from a local dealer for only $5.

For the first time at the exhibition, a dog of this breed was presented in 1904.

Animal popularity peaked in the 1990s. It was at this time in the United States that an advertisement for fast food restaurants Taco Bell was published, the main character of which was a Chihuahua dog named Gidget.

Who is this breed for?

This breed is ideal for keeping in a city apartment. It is not necessary to take the dogs for walks regularly. The most important thing is not to leave your pet alone for a long time. They endure separation from the owner very painfully.

Chihuahuas are not the best option for children. These animals do not tolerate active games, as their bones are fragile.

Often young girls stop their choice on this breed. They really like to carry such pets with them to various events. Chihuahuas perfectly tolerate city walks, shopping, going to cafes. The main thing is to dress the dog warmer in the cold season.

Famous owners

This breed of dog is very fond of the so-called socialites. In our country it is Anfisa Chekhova, in Hollywood it is Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

How to choose a puppy

When buying a puppy, first of all, you should pay attention to the appearance of the dog. She should look wellfed and strong. The wool of a healthy animal is always smooth and silky, without propelled.

The stomach of the puppy must be checked for the presence of an umbilical hernia. Ideally, it is always soft, without seals.

It is better to purchase a pet from trusted sellers. You should not contact the dubious outlets to markets, bazaars, to private breeders. Mandatory, you need to pay attention to the conditions of the keeping of puppies.

A good breeder will always provide all the necessary information about both puppies and their parents.

Chihuahua’s head should be in the form of an apple, the forehead convex, the muzzle relatively short. Too long muzzles are only in unclean individuals. The ears of the puppy must be clean, without pus and irritation. The nose of a healthy pet is always wet. Eyes without discharge. The look is clear.

The skin must be absolutely healthy, without visible irritations and rashes. Each paw should be felt and checked for dislocations and fractures.

Chihuahua price

The price of a dog depends on several factors:

You can buy a Chihuahua puppy both from a private person and in a nursery. The second option will cost more, but it is much more reliable. If it is important to purchase an elite class dog, then it is better to contact an experienced breeder.

Females are always cheaper. The presence of a pedigree increases the cost of a puppy by a decent amount.